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NJ S1953

Bill

Official Source

Status

Introduced

1/13/2026

Primary Sponsor

Holly Schepisi

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2026-2027 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Requires all exterior exit doors in New Jersey school buildings to remain locked from the outside (access side) and unlocked from the inside (egress side) at all times
  • Mandates that when fire alarms or security alarms are triggered, exterior doors must be unlocked either manually by a school employee or through an automatic access-controlled unlocking system
  • Amends existing law (N.J.S.18A:41-1) which already requires schools to conduct monthly fire drills and school security drills
  • Maintains exception allowing doors to be locked during emergency lockdowns or lockdown drills
  • Takes effect immediately upon enactment

Legislative Description

Requires exterior exit doors in school buildings to remain unlocked from egress side and locked from access side at all times.

Education

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Education Committee

1/13/2026

Committee Referrals

Education1/13/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available